Tent campsites near New Ulm, Minnesota rest predominantly in the Minnesota River Valley, where elevations range from 800-1,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with camping opportunities typically available from April through October, though some sites close earlier due to flooding risks. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making off-season camping impractical at most locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Beaver Falls County Park offers creek-side fishing spots that are particularly suitable for beginners and children. "Off the beaten path..so lots of peace & quiet to enjoy..fun fishing for kids," notes Trudi, highlighting the accessible fishing opportunities without requiring specialized equipment.
Historical exploration: Birch Coulee County Park connects campers with significant regional history. One camper described it as "way back in a historical site. Very special place," making it ideal for those interested in Minnesota's past while enjoying basic camping amenities.
Paddleboarding: Rapidan Dam County Park provides excellent water recreation options on calmer sections of the river. According to Nick G., "The river is perfect for paddle boarding," with multiple access points along the waterfront for water sports enthusiasts.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the natural separation between tent sites at Rapidan Dam County Park. "Lots of sites all separated by trees," notes Nick G., creating a sense of seclusion even when the campground has multiple occupants.
Creek proximity: Beaver Falls County Park allows camping directly beside the water. As Jamison W. points out, it's a "Nice clean small park" with sites that let you "camp right next to the creek," providing both ambiance and easy water access.
Primitive camping atmosphere: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Rapidan Dam offers genuine primitive camping options. Bike G. describes it as having "Great primitive only sites," though notes "Cycling into sites can be difficult because some have lots of sand on the path."
What you should know
Vehicle limitations: Several campgrounds restrict the size of vehicles permitted. Skip H. warns about Rapidan Dam: "Not trailer friendly. Small vehicles only," which is crucial information for those with larger vehicles or camping setups.
Seasonal closures: Flooding affects accessibility at certain times. Kent F. noted in July 2024 that Rapidan Dam was "Closed due to flooding," demonstrating the importance of checking conditions before traveling, especially after heavy rainfall periods.
Amenity variations: Vicksburg County Park offers dispersed camping without developed facilities. Jamison W. reports "No real rv sites or electric" but mentions "Wonderful veiws of mn River. Lots of places to choose for dispersed camping," highlighting its suitability for self-sufficient tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water features: Smaller creeks provide safer water play than the main river. At Birch Coulee County Park, Josh B. mentions that while there's "Not a lot to do but kids in fun playing in the creek," making it suitable for families with younger children seeking water activities.
On-site food options: Some campgrounds offer convenient dining nearby. Lisa K. says of Rapidan Dam County Park: "Restaurant onsite is fantastic," and Skip H. adds there's "a small food/ice cream shop with friendly staff" at the entrance, reducing the need to pack all meals or travel for food.
Walking trails: Several campgrounds feature accessible walking paths appropriate for various ages. Trudi mentioned that Beaver Falls has "trails throughout the park for walking," providing contained exploration opportunities for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Beaver Falls County Park presents challenges for larger recreational vehicles. Jamison W. cautions there's "Not much room for bigger rigs to get around but doable if dry," suggesting careful timing and avoiding wet periods when maneuvering larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric options are limited but available at select locations. Josh B. noted that Birch Coulee County Park has "Water and electric hookups," making it one of the few tent-focused campgrounds near New Ulm offering these conveniences for small RVs requiring power.
Seasonal conditions: RV campers should be particularly cautious about spring access. Multiple reviews across campgrounds mention flooding concerns, with several sites becoming inaccessible to wheeled vehicles during wet seasons, making late summer and early fall generally more reliable for RV camping in this region.
